Growers uses new technologies for data to help farmers

Growers, a precision farm management business based in Raleigh, N.C., is using new technologies to change the way farmers across the country manage their operations. The farmer-owned company specializes in precision agriculture and data-driven farming, taking multiple layers of on-farm information to create customized game plans that have been proven to reduce costs and increase yields.

Growers claims to be the first company to use an On-the-Go Organic Mapping (OM) Sensor, a highly specialized piece of equipment that collects hundreds of organic matter readings per acre and uses GPS to geo-locate each data point. Since organic matter is directly related to a soil's yield capacity, the ability to map this attribute is highly beneficial in crop production.

"We provide a completely independent, full-service solution for farmers looking for ways to maximize every inch of their land, from soil fertility to input optimization and business profitability, said Growers CEO and founder Steven Valencsin, who is a trained agronomist and also a second-generation farmer.

Growers is also using a new device called a Passive Uplink Connection (PUC) to wirelessly connect to customers' machinery and view in real-time all of their operational data. The PUC is equipped with a GPS receiver to precisely and reliably geo-locate farm data, including everything from fuel usage to harvested yield.

"This technology is a game changer because it enables us to remotely monitor our customers' equipment and ensure that everything is operating as it should and that data is being recorded correctly, said Valencsin. "This device is a great fit for those who are new to the technology and want to know that things are working properly.

The Growers company recently relocated its headquarters from Greensboro to Raleigh, N.C. Growers reports having experienced significant growth since its inception in 2011 and now manages more than 80,000 acres of farmland by partnering with farmer customers.